ADB–TN inks ₹1,025-cr water infra funding pact

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a loan agreement with the Indian government for $125 million (approximately ₹1,025 crore) to improve sewage collection and treatment, and drainage and water supply systems in three cities in Tamil Nadu. The loan is the third and final tranche of a $500 million multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) approved by ADB in 2018 to support the development of priority water supply, sewerage, and drainage infrastructure in 10 cities in Tamil Nadu. The new loan will be used to develop two sewage treatment plants in Coimbatore, install 14 pumps and lift stations and build 14 km of sewage pumping mains, and create a climate-resilient stormwater drainage system in Thoothukudi. In Madurai, the loan will support the commissioning of 813 km of new water supply distribution pipelines that will connect 163,958 households to 115 newly established district metered areas with smart water features to reduce non-revenue water. The ADB loan will also be used to train two all-female self-help groups in Coimbatore and Madurai on the benefits of household connection to the sewage collection system, water conservation, sanitation, and health and hygiene.